Ohio: Misinformation is flowing ahead of abortion vote. Some is coming from a legislative website. | Julie Carr Smyth and Christine Fernando/Associated Press
The official government website of the Republican-controlled Ohio Senate is featuring inflammatory language opposing a reproductive rights measure, which is typically seen in contentious campaign initiatives. The messaging, warning of extreme scenarios related to the measure, is not only promoted by anti-abortion groups but is also present on the government website. This content, published on the “On The Record” blog, is impacting online search results for information about the reproductive rights measure, Issue 1, which is set to be voted on by Ohio citizens on November 7. The blog is presented as an “online newsroom” providing perspectives not covered by mainstream news outlets, and includes content from Republican state senators and conservative figures. Experts consider this effort by Republican lawmakers to be unprecedented, as it aims to influence public perception through a government platform, potentially misguiding voters seeking objective information. Read Article